The 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, provided free medical services for more than 700 villagers in Ogume community, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the medical outreach was part of a one-week programme by the brigade to mark the 2022 Nigerian Army Day.
The event witnessed large turnout of youths, the elderly and community leaders.
Services rendered were medical consultations, blood pressure and body temperature gauging and diagnosis, HIV testing and counselling, and the distribution of free drugs and treated mosquito net.
The Brigade Commandant, Maj.-Gen. David Saraso, explained that the free medical outreach was part of the army’s contribution to the development of the society.
“This free medical outreach we are having on Tuesday is part of week-long activities to commemorate the Nigerian Army Day.
“This year’s celebration marks the 159th anniversary of the Nigerian Army and we are using the event to reflect on the mandate of the Army to protect and promote national unity.
“The objective is to showcase the Nigerian Army as an instrument of national unity, peace and development,’’ Gen. Saraso said.
He noted that it was also an opportunity to pay tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes, as well as appreciate those who retired or are still in active service.
The commander said the Nigerian Army was determined to consolidate on existing relationships with communities to galvanise efforts at achieving its objectives.
In an address of welcome, Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government Council, Chief Obi Nzete, appreciated the brigade for the free medical services.
Represented by the council’s Secretary, Mr Augustine Okom, the chairman observed that the exercise would go down in history as a day the Nigerian Army impacted on the lives of the people of Ogume.
He assured that the people of Ndokwa would continue to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
The paramount ruler of Ogume community, Chief Okwa-Ossai Enebeli, commended the Army for the initiative, which he described as worthy of emulation and highly commendable.
Enebeli, who was represented by Chief Valentine Akpati, the Osele-Uku of Ogume, said the people of the community would remain grateful to the Nigerian Army for the gesture.
“Today is a remarkable day in Ogume Kingdom. You can attest to this by the crowd of children, youths, women and chiefs here today.
“We are a peace-loving community and I want to tell the Nigerian Army that we are grateful and we will never forget this day,’’ he said.
A beneficiary, 87-year-old farmer, Pa Patrick Agadi, told NAN that he suffered from rheumatism and glaucoma.
“I am a farmer and I suffer from eye problem, I have glaucoma that affects my sight, I also suffer severe waist pain.
“I buy drugs once in a while because drugs are expensive here in our community; but thank God, today the army people have checked me and gave me drugs. I am grateful,’’ Agadi said.
Another beneficiary, Madam Josephine Oweka, a 72-year-old widow, appreciated the Army for the intervention.
“I have arthritis; every night I can’t walk. I have been on drugs, but I don’t buy the drugs regularly as I’m supposed to do because of lack of money.
“Today, the Army people have checked me; they also checked my blood pressure and gave me many drugs. I am very grateful because I can’t afford these drugs on my own,’’ Oweka said. (NAN)
